Camp Dakota

Camp Dakota has introduced more people to paintball than any other operator in the Pacific Northwest. Their focus is straightforward: family-friendly paintball in a safe, comfortable environment where people come to have fun rather than take themselves too seriously.

The paintball course sits on a large wooded area with serious infrastructure for gameplay: - Multiple bunkers and trenches - Thick forest with natural cover - Wooden structures and a "city" scene - Old cars, tire piles, and foliage for ambush positions - Covered staging area with picnic tables

Games typically run 10-20 minutes per round. Most games use capture-the-flag variations where teams eliminate opponents and compete for flag placement. The ref divides players into rotating teams—intentionally changing team composition so everyone gets a chance to play on a winning side. After a safety briefing, you get a paintball gun, face shield, and paintballs to start.

• •Low-impact paintball: 7+ years old
• •Traditional paintball: 10+ years old
• •Players must sign a waiver (parent/guardian signature required for under 18)
• •Must be tough enough to take hits without whining—kids as young as 5th grade play here regularly

Bring your own gear? Yes for paintball guns and goggles (must pass chronograph check at 280 FPS max). No for paintballs—outside paint isn't allowed, and paint sales fund refs, insurance, equipment maintenance, and field operations.

Appointments required—every session. Camp Dakota operates summer hours 7 days a week by appointment, with winter availability subject to minimums.

Playing in bad weather? They operate in rain, snow, and even at night. The biggest injury risk is sprained ankles from running full-speed through forest with limited visibility—not paintballs themselves. Safety record is excellent when rules are followed.

They specialize in birthday parties, youth groups, family outings, and team-building events. Camp Dakota also makes pizza delivered to the field, and camping guests receive activity credits during peak season that apply toward paintball.